Washington, DC—Today the administration announced its intent to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord.

Columbans serve communities across the globe who daily face the devastating impacts of a dramatically changing climate. Our mission experience of living with poor communities impactedby environmental degradation compels us to work for the full restoration of our relationships with all of Creation.

Scott Wright, Director of the Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach, responded:“Columbans around the world stand strongly opposed to this decision. Withdrawal from this crucial agreement directly jeopardizes the health and sustainability of our common home, including vulnerable communities both at home and abroad.”

Climate change is an unprecedented phenomenon in recent human history, affecting every aspect of life. The magnitude, severity, and urgency of climate change is difficult to fathom.Ourresponse to the crisis of climate change must be prophetic, both for the well-being of the vulnerable and the planet. Withdrawal from the agreement undercuts our positive relationship with the rest of the world, jeopardizing cooperation on many global efforts and weakening our response as one global family united in our efforts to respond to the destruction of climate change.

This shortsighted refusal by the administration to prophetically address climate change will have consequences. It will exacerbate the negative effects of climate change, including forced migration, food insecurity, conflict, and disease, to name only a few. These impacts will be primarily borne by the most vulnerable who contribute to climate change the least.

Called by our faith and the reality of those we serve around the world, Columbans will continue to stand against policies that negatively affect the communities we serve, our common home, and the poor and vulnerable who inhabit it.

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The Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach is the advocacy office for the Missionary Society of St. Columban. The Center serves as the line of communication between Columban missionaries serving in 15 countries around the world and policy makers in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to work towards a more just, peaceful, and environmentally sustainable world by engaging in the political process guided by our Catholic faith and the Gospel.